ARE ANTI-DEPRESSANTS THE BEST ANSWER FOR DEPRESSION?
Antidepressants were first clinically introduced in the 1950s. In 2021-2022, 1 in 6 Australians filled a mental-health related script - that's 4.7 million people across Australia. Of these scripts, 74% were for antidepressant medications.
When I think about these statistics, I think it is positive that Australians are more aware about their mental health and are seeking out support. But my question is, are antidepressants the best answer? Let's dive into this a bit...
A QUICK introduction to ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
Antidepressants are believed to work by increasing certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
They are typically prescribed for moderate to severe depression but are also used to treat conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and even chronic pain.
The effectiveness of antidepressants can vary depending on the specific type and the individual. While they often take up to six weeks to show full effects, some people report feeling an improvement in mood within 24 hours of starting treatment.
For most people who take them, antidepressants help alleviate depression symptoms, yet they are also associated with commonly reported side effects, including emotional numbness, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and withdrawal effects.
Counseling or psychotherapy is often recommended alongside antidepressant treatment for comprehensive support.
DEPRESSION IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE
From a holistic perspective, I'd say there are three domains at play:
PHYSICAL - genetics, nutritional imbalances, toxin exposure, hormonal imbalances, heavy metal exposure, poor gut health, poor sleep, autoimmunity, and chronic disease
PSYCHOSOCIAL - trauma, work-life balance, stress, and social life
SPIRITUAL - I am a Christian (so my perspective is biased!). I believe that forgiveness, grace, purpose, connection, and gratitude are central to having deep peace and joy.
Antidepressants may be necessary for some people, but a holistic approach has so much potential to address the underlying issues and I believe that we need to raise more awareness around this.
THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF NUTRITIONAL THERAPY IN DEPRESSION
Many nutrients are showing incredible potential in the treatment of depression. These include magnesium, folate, vitamin D, vitamin B6, SAMe, and zinc. (Please don't self-prescribe! This can lead to worsening of symptoms in some cases.)
Let's consider just one of these nutrients, folate. If we look at the research, we can see that Folate deficiency has been associated with depression. And that Folate supplementation as an adjunct therapy in depression has been seen to improve client's depression scale scores, response rates, and patient remission. Folate is needed in the brain for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. So it makes sense that a deficiency could be associated with a lack of motivation, feeling "flat", poor sleep, mood imbalances... and thus the diagnosis of depression.
TESTING, testing, testing!!
Not an extensive list or guide - get a practitioner to help you work out what is most applicable in your case)
PATHOLOGY
Folate
B12
Iron studies
Vitamin D
Thyroid studies
Fasting glucose
Liver studies
Hormone panels
Further tests to consider
MTHFR gene mutations
C-Reactive Protein
Coeliac serology or HLA typing
Mould exposure (pathology and urine)
Salivary cortisol
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis -> Heavy metal toxicity (e.g. copper, mercury, lead)
ANTIDEPRESSANTS MAY BE NECESSARY, BUT WHAT ELSE?
Counseling should be considered as it may help to reduce the impact of past trauma, support resilience, improve stress management, and provide lifestyle techniques (e.g. breathing exercises) to improve your mental health.
I would also highly recommend having a qualified and experienced naturopath to support you. A naturopath is able to support you with herbal medicine, nutritional support, holistic evaluation, lifestyle strategies, and more!!
READY TO transform YOUR MENTAL HEALTH STORY?
Reach out and let me know! Book a consult or give me a call. I’m here to help.
If you are in a mental health crisis and are not coping, please seek immediate support:
SANE Australia (people living with a mental illness) Phone: 1800 18 7263
Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) Phone: 1300 22 4636
Black Dog Institute (people affected by mood disorders)
Lifeline (anyone having a personal crisis) Phone: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) Phone: 1300 659 467
Blog AUTHOR: TALITHA
I specialise in mental health (depression, stress, and anxiety), gut health (IBS), and women's health (preconception, fertility). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
